Saints And Reeves-ie

Ben Reeves sees only good things for the future of Southampton Football Club, and he’s keen to remain a part of it.

All round there is a feeling among the young players here that if they are good enough, they will get a chance"

Ben Reeves

The 21 year-old versatile midfielder who is also capable of playing in defence, has gone about his business quietly since breaking into the first team picture last season, but now he is ready to establish himself.

With younger players like James Ward-Prowse and Luke Shaw making the step up this season, it’s perhaps easy to forget that Reeves is another success from the Saints Academy who is beginning to make his mark in the Premier League.

Three first team outings as a substitute in the top-flight and three further appearances for Saints in the League Cup, one of them a start at Leeds United, have strengthened the young player’s belief that he has a real future at Saints.

Having already had a taste of the action this term he admits: “It’s been great for my confidence.

“Being able to play and to feel relatively comfortable at this level does wonders for your belief in what you’re doing.

“And all round there is a feeling among the young players here that if they are good enough, they will get a chance.”

Reeves has a preference for playing in midfield, surprising then that he has looked so comfortable as a left back in substitute stints against Everton, Tottenham and Norwich City.

“My favourite role,” he says, “is playing as an attacking midfield player, but I started out for the youth side here at left back and whenever I’m asked to play there, I’m happy to do it. I don’t care where I play as long as I play.”

Ben was a part of the Academy scholarship group that included the likes of Oscar Gobern who’s now at Huddersfield. Reeves, who also spent time on loan with Dagenham & Redbridge last season, is appreciative of the progress being made at the club he has been at since he was 8.

“When you look around and see what’s going on, you realise how massive this club is going to become. And I desperately want to be a part of it.”

And if the club produces a few more players like Ben Reeves then the future bodes very well indeed.

Read the full interview with Ben inside Saturday’s official matchday programme which will be available for just £3 in and around St Mary’s stadium.